According to Sheriff Shane Doyle, evidence on scene indicated that she had drifted over the center line while heading west on KY HWY 728 near Chestnut St. and then over-corrected, sending the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire she was driving into a skid.  Her car then went across the right shoulder of the roadway, stopping when she struck a security light pole, as well as a utility pole.  The impact broke the utility pole nearly in two.  Jackson, complaining of neck and chest pain, was treated and released.

Jackson was transported by Edmonson EMS. The sheriff's office was assisted on-scene by the Lincoln and Kyrock Fire Departments. 

Edmonson District Court was held Tuesday, April 28, 2015. The Honorable Judge John M. McCarty presiding.

Nathaniel J Bumppo, Wanton endangerment, 1st degree. Resisting arrest. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial hearing for 5/12/15.

Phillip Dewayne Hayes, Driving on DUI suspended license, 1st offense. Failure to use child restraint device in vehicle. Possess open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. Operate motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, Aggravator, 2nd offense. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 5/5/15.

Joshua M Wilson, No/expired registration plates, No/expired KY registration receipt, License to be in possession. Order signed.

Kevin R Elliott, No/expired registration plates, No/expired KY registration receipt. Order signed.

Jeffery T Wilson, Speeding 26mph or greater over limit, pleaded not guilty. Operating vehicle with expired operator's license, proof shown. Reckless driving, pleaded not guilty. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown.

Thomas M Minton, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Failed to appear, $250 cash bench warrant issued. 

David R Kurtz, Excessive windshield/window tinting. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Continued in 2 weeks.

Cristina Carolina Villegas, Speeding 15mph over limit, sentenced to County Attorney traffic school. Will review on 6/9/15. Failure to produce insurance card, proof shown dismissed without prejudice.

Gregory Fernando Hodge, Speeding 20mph over limit. No operator's moped license. Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. No/expired registration plates. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15.

Michael Jacob Bryant, Disregarding stop sign. Failure to notify address change to dept of transportation. Failure to produce insurance card. Careless driving. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. One headlight. Pleaded not guilty to all. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15.

Cody W Hennion, Improper passing. Careless driving. Pleaded not guilty to both. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15.

Rondal L Duvall, No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Order signed.

Winter M Masterson, Speeding 22mph over limit. Sentenced to County Attorney traffic school. Will review on 6/23/15.

Bill L Seagrave, Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. Failure to register transfer of motor vehicle. Pleaded not guilty to both. Pretrial conference for 6/23/15.

Dale A Byerline, One headlight. Dismissed without prejudice as per County Attorney.

Adam K Lacefield, No/expired registration plates, pleaded guilty, fined $100 suspended. No/expired KY registration receipt, pleaded guilty. Failure to wear seat belts. Pleaded guilty. Fined $28. Failure to produce insurance card. Total costs and fines $168.

Jeffery Metcalfe, Improper passing, No/expired registration plates, license to be in possession. Continued in 2 weeks as per County Attorney.

Paul R Bondora, No/expired registration plates. No/expired KY registration receipt. Failure to produce insurance card. Failed to appear. Notice sent to dept of transportation.

Wendy L Browning, Failure to produce insurance card. No/expired KY registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st. Continued to 5/12/15.

Harold J Francis, No operator's/moped license. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 7/7/15.

Brian Thomas Crawford, Speeding 7mph over limit. Driving DUI Suspended License, 2nd offense. Failure to produce insurance card. License to be in possession. Continued to 5/19/15.

Brian M Miller, License to be in possession, Failure to produce insurance card. Failed to appear, notice sent to Dept of transportation. 

Michael Jaggers, Harassing communications. Pleaded not guilty. Pretrial conference for 5/12/15.

Martha Lindsey Poteet, Convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Pretrial hearing for 5/12/15. 

Gary Minard with Hellervik Oil Technologies addressed the fiscal court on Monday with issues that local residents as well as the court had concerns with. Minard listed the issues and gave explanation of what Hellervik plans to do once they acquire the company from Atmos Energy, with the help of industrial bonds provided by the county.

1. What happens if Hellervik takes over the gas plant then moves it to another location later? Minard said the terms of the bonds would not allow that. The plant must stay at it's current location, as plant equipment would be part of the collateral for the bond.
2. What equipment will be used? Will there be enough collateral? According to Minard, Atmos Energy has the equipment listed publicly for sale and he would provide the list to the court. 
3. When will closing of the sale with Atmos take place? Minard said the deal should be closed by May 15th, 2015.
4. Do you have financial documentation that your company has the assets and collateral needed to secure the bonds in a worse-case scenario? Minard said yes. He referenced BB&T in Louisville as well as Bank of Edmonson County that will be able to provide financial statements and proper documentation that the company is accredited and able to secure collateral for the bonds.

The court agreed to move forward with the industrial bond  procedure. The next step is actually signing and issuing the bonds once the language is satisfactory to both parties.

Both were treated on scene by Edmonson EMS, and Beville was transported to Medical Center. The wreck was worked by the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office and they were assisted on-scene by the Kyrock Fire Dept.

Mammoth Cave Hotel workers found a man dead in one of the Hotel Cottages today.

Tigh Joseph Kriegel, 42, of Newton, Iowa, checked in on Friday, April 24, and participated in the Wild Cave Tour on Sunday.  Edmonson County Coroner Michael Alexander assisted park law enforcement officers on the scene, and confirmed Kriegel's death was due to natural causes.

Next of kin have been notified.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Courtesy of MCNP PR

On Friday, April 24th, police were notified that a motorist was stopped in the road by a female pedestrian claiming she needed help on Main Street, at the north side of the Brownsville Courthouse. Police identified the pedestrian as Jadwiga Bumppo, wife of local attorney, Natty Bumppo. 

Mrs. Bumppo then told police that she had just been in an argument with her husband, Mr. Bumppo, and said he was highly intoxicated and angry, accusing her of flirting with another man. According to police, she said that Mr. Bumppo pointed a loaded shotgun at her and then fired a round inside their home, through the kitchen floor. 

Deputies Phillips,  Ritter, and Special Deputy J. Coniglio, along with BPD Officers Dennis and Avery then traveled to the Bumppos' home. Police say that Bumppo invited the officers inside and that he had a strong odor of alcohol and appeared intoxicated. Bumppo was placed under arrest for wanton endangerment 1st degree, and police say he also resisted, which added the charge of resisting arrest. 

A search warrant was obtained for Bumppo's property, and police located a loaded shotgun and a hole in the kitchen floor from what appeared to be a shotgun blast. Police also found wadding and lead pellets from a shotgun shell underneath the floor. 

Bumppo was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail.

The investigation is still ongoing. Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree is a Class D Felony and carries a maximum penalty of 1 to 5 years in prison. 

Edmonson Voice Staff

With an extreme amount of rainfall this early spring, frustrations began to rise with parents, coaches, players, and workers involved with the Edmonson County Parks and Rec Youth Little League Baseball and Softball programs. The opening day Jamboree, originally scheduled for April 11th, was postponed to heavy rainfall until this past Saturday, April 25th. During the two week period, even more rain fell, keeping not only games postponed, but also practices as well. 

Newly hired Program Director Greg Hudson said he's understood everyone's frustration, and that he's been just as eager to get the season started. "It's a simple matter of safety," he said. "Coaches and parents were driving by the fields and saying, Well, the infields look fine, why can't we play or practice? With water standing in some of the outfields and soft mud at home plate, we couldn't allow games or practices because it just a greater liability." 

Luckily, there was just enough sunshine and wind to dry everything enough so that Parks and Rec Director A.B. Webb could finish preparing the fields for the Jamboree.

Some parents and coaches have wondered why practices can't be held elsewhere when the field conditions are not favorable. Hudson noted that practices can only be held on county park property due to insurance purposes. School property or other areas are not included in the county's insurance. 

Special recognition was given to former members of the Edmonson County Women's Club, who traveled to Frankfort some 30 years ago in search of state funding for the very first Parks and Rec program in Edmonson County. Ladies in attendance received medallions for their ground breaking effort, they were: Becky Goad, Regina Byrd, and Darlys Booker. Family members received awards on behalf of the ladies that had already passed away: Anna Lich, Rita Raymer, and Peggy Meredith. Not present were: Sandra Potter, Marcia Cassady, and Carol Clemmons.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Photos courtesy of EC Parks and Rec Baseball/Softball Board

Kevin Alexander, County Clerk, has announced that absentee voting for the 2015 primary election will begin tomorrow at the clerk's office beginning at noon. The Governor's race along with Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of Agriculture will be featured. Below is a copy of the ballot.

Edmonson County Emergency Management Director Pat Prunty, along with the National Weather Service, WKU, and Meteorologist Landon Hampton have completed their damage assessment of last night's storm and have confirmed that an EF-2 tornado touched down in the Grassland area during the event. 

The damage area of the tornado was limited to a 1/8 mile square and wind speeds were estimated at 110-115mph. Prunty wanted to recognize several folks for their help. "Thanks to Bear Creek and Kyrock Fire Departments along with the Edmonson County Road Dept," he said. "These folks worked past 1:00am clearing debris to open the roadways." He also noted that use of a drone to assess the damage area was a first for our area. 

Landon Hampton of WxOrNotBG.com noted that John Gordon, Meteorologist in Charge at NWS in Louisville headed up the survey team along with himself and two WKU students who contribute to Hampton's weather site. "We conducted a storm survey to determine strength, width, and length of the tornado," he said. "It was determined that an EF2 with estimated winds of 111-115mph took place."

Other areas of the county sustained damage with reports of downed barns and more downed trees.

Severe thunderstorms slammed the county last night with a possible touchdown of a tornado in the Grassland area, just north of Brownsville. Pat Prunty, Edmonson County Emergency Management Director said there are several reports of downed trees and limbs, and one barn was knocked down. Luckily, there have been no reported injuries.

"Right now, we can't tell for sure if a tornado actually touched down," Prunty said. "We're meeting with the National Weather Service today (Sunday, April 26th) to investigate and survey the weather damage."

We're gathering more info and photos and will have an update later today.

Edmonson Voice Staff

A mock prom night car crash with fake injuries and even death was presented at the Edmonson County High School Track and football field today, sponsored by the Youth Service Center and local emergency personnel. The crash created a tragic scenario of what could happen with intoxicated or distracted driving.  Lisa Sanders with the YSC, is also a part time EMT with the Edmonson County EMS. She addressed the students after the presentation and discussed how real the put-on event actually seemed. 

The scene was eerily realistic with make-up, props, and talented ECHS students who were engaged in their performances. Senior Hunter Houchins, a "victim" with life-threatening injuries, said that when the tarps were pulled off the wrecked cars it instantly seemed real. "It helped me realize what actually could happen in a situation like that and all the outcomes," he said. "I just hope what we did today opened some eyes and maybe it will influence some decisions on kids in the future. I know it influenced me."

Sheriff Shane Doyle said tons of effort went into the project by many people and agencies. "Everyone worked very hard to present this as realistic as possible," he said. "Prom is supposed to be one of the best memories of high school. Hopefully this presentation got some kids' attention and they'll do their best to make good decisions not only on prom night, but every night.:

Laney Meredith, a junior at ECHS said she was very moved by today's event. "It seemed so real to be watching a scene of our friends at death's door," she said. "I'm thankful our school showed us what could happen in a horrible situation like this so it will hopefully prevent us from getting hurt."

"To me, it's one of the most beneficial things we're able to do," said Keith Sanders, Director of Edmonson County EMS. "We want students to know there are real dangers and real life consequences to the choices they make. If we can cause one kid to change their mind then it was worth it."

Special thanks to:
Edmonson County Youth Service Center
Brownsville Fire Dept, JAWS of Life
Kentucky State Police, Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Brownsville Police Department
Edmonson County EMS, Edmonson County Coroner Michael Alexander
Edmonson County High School
Chris Raymer, Mickey's Towing and Recovery
Air EVAC Flight Team
Carla Kinser, Dispatch Telecommunicator, Edmonson Co. Dispatch Center

Darren Doyle
story and photos

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., April 24, 2015 – On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, the Houchin Ferry boat is scheduled to be removed from the river and moved to dry-dock in the Park maintenance area.  The boat will be repaired and inspected for future use at the Green River Ferry location. 

“We have been concerned for some time about the security of the ferryboat at Houchin Ferry,” said Superintendent Sarah Craighead.  “Since the ferry service was discontinued in 2013, the boat has been tethered to the bank, but exposed to high water and drift, and some vandalism.  We regret that, because of the park's tight budget situation, we are unable to determine when we will be able to resume service.  Therefore it is responsible for us to do our best to preserve the equipment and reuse it where possible.”

The ferry boat will be trailered and moved to the Park maintenance area for required Coast Guard inspection and repairs.  In the fall of 2015, it will replace the boat at the Green River Ferry.  The ferryboat removed from Green River Ferry location will be dry-docked and renovated as funding permits.

Green River Ferry is a high priority for the park,” added Craighead.  “By using the ferryboat from Houchin Ferry, we can swap out the boats and keep the service running at the Green River Ferry location during the required inspection and maintenance.”

via MCNP 

Kimberly Garrett, 37, of Mammoth Cave Ky, pleaded guilty on Monday to 22 counts of two different sex crimes. She was originally charged with 58 total counts of child sexual abuse in August of 2012. The victim was  a juvenile male under the age of sixteen. 

Garrett pleaded guilty to 12 counts of 3rd degree rape and 10 counts of 3rd degree sodomy. Under the plea agreement, other charges were dismissed. She was sentenced to 10 years in a Kentucky State Penitentiary.

Edmonson District Court was held on Tuesday, April 21, 2015. The Honorable Judge Renona Carol Browning presiding.

Joey A Gregory, Possession of marijuana. Drug paraphernalia - buy/possess. Controlled substance prescription not in original container 1st. Pleaded guilty to all. Concurrent. Sentenced to 90 days in jail, suspended all but 30 days for two years on condition of no similar offense. Court cost $184.

Eddie L White, License plate not legible. Pleaded guilty, fined $25. Operating vehicle with expired operator's license. Pleaded guilty, 15 days in jail, suspended for 2 years on no similar offense. Fines and costs, $168.

Beth A Burden, Failure to wear seat belts. Failure to or improper signal. Improper equipment. Pleaded guilty to all, fined $25 for each charge. Total fines and costs, $218.

Trstan Nash Thompson, Inadequate silencer (muffler), continued for 5/5/15.

Chad Thomas Davis, No/expired Ky registration receipt. No/expired registration plates. Order signed, both dismissed without prejudice.

Terry Dewayne Stillwell, Speeding 20mph over limit. Continued for 5/5/15.

Joseph L Lindsey, Terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Pleaded guilty. Wanton endangerment, pleaded guilty. Assault 4th degree, minor injury, pleaded guilty. 30 days in jail, suspended for 2 years on condition of no similar offense and no contact with victim and victim's children.  $184 court cost.

Aubrey A Pohlnann, Operating ATV on roadway, merge into 3rd count. License to be in possession, dismissed without prejudice. Operating motor vehicle under influence of drugs/alcohol, 1st offense. Pleaded guilty. 
30 days in jail, suspended for 2 years on condition of no similar offense. Total fines and costs $728.

Kenneth A Mattingly, Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. No/expired registration plates, No/expired KY registration receipt, Possessing license when privileges are revoked/suspended. Continued for 5/5/15.

Steven L Todd, Harassing communications. Harassment (physical contact) no injury. Continued for 5/5/15.

Steven L Todd, Harassment, no physical contact, harassing communications, terroristic threatening, 3rd degree. Continued for 5/5/15.

James K Webb, Harassing communications, continued to 5/5/15.

Kyle Andrew Lawrence, Assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury. Final pretrial conference for 8/11/15.

Nathan H. Vibbert. Operating on suspended/revoked operator's license. Amended to No Operator's License in Possession. Pleaded guilty, fined $25. Total fines and costs $168.

Brooklyn R Smith, Speeding 24mph over limit. Sentenced to traffic school. No/expired registration plates, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. No/expired KY registration receipt, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. 

Brook R Smith, Speeding 15mph over limit, deferred for 1 year. No/expired registration plates, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. No/expired KY registration receipt, proof shown, dismissed without prejudice. 

Sunny skies were a beautiful background at the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, April 23, for the Bank of Edmonson County's new Smiths Grove location. Residents from Warren and Edmonson Counties were on hand along with bank employees, Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, and county and city officials. 

"We were extremely pleased with the number of people that came out to celebrate this new opportunity, for both the people of Smiths Grove and Bank of Edmonson County," said Bank CEO Michelle Coleman. "We hope that the excitement of today will be a sign of great things to come when the bank is open for business this fall."

Coleman noted that change always occurs as businesses grow, but the bank's focus will remain on building relationships with the customers and communities that they serve. "Those relationships drive us at Bank of Edmonson County to provide the best possible customer service along with convenient locations and modern technology."

Alex Ulm, Bank President, said that the bank has been interested in having a branch in Smiths Grove for many years. "We've always considered the citizens of Smiths Grove valuable customers," he said. "PNC Bank's decision to abandon Smiths Grove made it clear that now was the time to move forward with this plan."

Lisa Booth, an 18 year veteran of Bank of Edmonson County has been named branch manager for the new location.  She'll oversee day-to-day operations while continuing to provide full-service lending.

Harlin's Construction, owned by Silent Grove resident Harlin Tarter, was awarded the contracting bid for the new 2,200 square foot facility. "Harlin Tarter has run a successful Edmonson County business and has been involved in our community for many years," Coleman added. "He is a loyal customer and we are excited to be working with an experienced contractor like Harlin on this building project."

Construction will begin immediately and the new branch is expected to open sometime in the fall of this year. 

Darren Doyle
Story and photos

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., April 23, 2015 – In 2014, Mammoth Cave National Park generated $43.6 million and 683 jobs in the south central Kentucky area, according to a recent economic impact study by the National Park Service.  Across the country record numbers of visitors to national parks in 2014 translated into $29.7 billion in economic activity that supported nearly 277,000 jobs across the country.  The report can be viewed at http://www.nature.nps.gov/socialscience/vse.cfm

Visitation to Mammoth Cave is growing,” said Superintendent Sarah Craighead.  “2014 was our best year in the last ten years.  People who visit the park need gasoline, food, lodging, and additional forms of entertainment that the park does not offer.  Our neighboring communities provide these services and profit from travelers on their way to Mammoth Cave.”

Of the 523,000 people who visited the park last year, 413,000 toured Mammoth Cave.  Visitors also come to the park to use the 85 miles of trails via hiking, biking or on horseback; canoe, kayak or fish in the Green and Nolin Rivers; camp, picnic, or take a Sunday drive and have dinner at the hotel. 

“Mammoth Cave National Park is a place to recreate, rejuvenate, and relax,” added Craighead.

“National parks are world-renowned for showcasing our country’s vast natural beauty and cultural and historic heritage, and year after year, we are demonstrating that they are also economic engines in communities across the country,” Director Jarvis said. “Understanding the economic benefit contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the overall value of national park resources. Every tax dollar invested in the NPS returns $10 to the U.S. economy thanks to visitor spending in gateway communities around the 407 parks of the National Park System.”


Source: MCNP Public Info

A tractor-trailer driver said he was forced off Otter Gap road Thursday morning by an early 2000's model red Ford F250. The driver of the semi, Jon Vincent, 29, of Lincoln, said the driver of the pickup was over in the opposite lane and did not attempt to move over, slow down, or stop afterward. 

Vincent was able to stop the truck just a few feet before an even steeper grade would have forced the truck into a creek. "It could've been a whole lot worse than it was" he said, as he pointed to the creek. He was returning from hauling a load of corn so luckily, the truck was empty. "It's a good thing it was empty...It would probably be upside down if it wasn't." 

The tractor trailer was owned by Andy Alford, of Alford Farms. He said that the truck only had minor damage and no one was reported injured. Sheriff Shane Doyle was at the scene. "Thankfully, Mr. Vincent had Somebody watching over him," said the Sheriff. "It's very important to drive slowly and use extra caution on our small, secondary roads, especially at curves and where there is low shoulder. If there had been injuries, the other driver could be looking at criminal charges."

Left to right:  Makenzie Daniels, Regan Saling, Morgan K. Vincent, Norma Patel, Seth Keown, Mr. Tommy Hodges.

Left to right:  Mike McClintic, Carolyn Vincent, Mr. Tommy Hodges.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Photos courtesy of ECBOE

Are you looking for a start in journalism/broadcasting, photography, writing, or graphic design? We're looking to expand our staff by adding some volunteer high school or college students from the county. 

Responsibilities may include: designing ads, layouts, gathering info, writing stories, interviews, and social media work. 

You MUST have reliable transportation, have EXCELLENT communication skills, and be dependable all around. Some students could receive pay based on scope of work and material. 

If you or someone you know is interested please email us: [email protected]

Ladd was arrested by Deputy Jordan Jones of the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office. Ladd was transported and lodged in the Butler County Jail. 

Police received a domestic violence call earlier today, Saturday, April 18th in Bee Spring. Upon Deputy Jordan Jones' arrival at the scene, police say that the suspect, Brandon Appleby, 31, Bee Spring, fled when he saw the police cruiser. The alleged victim of the domestic violence call claimed that Appleby was possibly armed with a handgun.

A high-speed pursuit began from the parking lot of Jones-Gravil Tax Service where speeds reached near 100mph.  Appleby lost control of the 2003 Dodge Ram truck and crashed around the 4000 block of Sunfish/Bee Spring Road. Appleby was charged with Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree Police Officer, Wanton Endangerment 1st, Fleeing and Evading 1st, as well as aggravated DUI.

Deputy Jones was assisted by Brownsville Police Chief Ricky Sanders and Lt. Jeff Jewell of BPD, along with Deputy Wally Ritter and Special Deputy J.T. Carroll. 

The case is still under investigation where more charges are expected to be filed.

Edmonson Voice Staff

Judge Executive Wil Cannon, Superintendent of Schools Patrick Waddell, and Sheriff Shane Doyle welcomed officials from United Way of South Central KY at the Public Library last night to address potential county needs where the organization might be able to help. 

The localized United Way Chapter has recently held what they call "Community Conversations," a program where they travel to surrounding counties and speak directly with educators, community leaders, and business owners to discuss specific needs of the people within those counties.

Some Edmonson County businesses and organizations have expressed hesitation in participating with United Way because some see it as simply a big company with not enough local impact. Others had rather simply donate directly to a specific cause instead of using a "middle man." 

Craig Browning, Edmonson County resident and Regional President of US Bank, is a former UWSK Chairman of the Board and currently serves as a regional board member. "United Way has staff cost, overhead, fundraising and marketing material expense, but as a non-profit, there is no plan or intent to make a profit from United Way fundraising," he said. "Net dollars are returned to the community's needs. United Way brings together the resources to build a better community by proactively raising dollars from a community 'that can' to help a community 'in need'."

The presentation focused on 4 major areas that surrounding counties, including Edmonson, have expressed a concern with: Education, Income, Health, and Safety. Various citizens in attendance discussed those and other areas as United Way representatives shared how they could possibly help. 

"I thought we had an excellent turnout tonight," said Supt. Waddell. "I think the community does see a need in these areas. We fall somewhere in the middle of the pack in the 10-county area, (in many educational areas) that's not bad, but we don't want to be in middle, we want to be at the top." Waddell said that he felt the meeting was a very good start. "I think there are areas here that United Way can help, but we need to get the word out to our communities. Hopefully we can continue these discussions and get more involvement."

Steve Wallace, president and CEO of UWSK says the response from other county meetings has been excellent. "In every meeting, people have had a lot of interest in what we're doing, folks are excited about the message they're hearing, and it's their own message...things from their own family lives," he said. "They see other people begin to talk about it and now they see a chance to do something about it."

Browning also said that working with United Way is more user-friendly than what most think. "They provide an easy avenue to contribute and volunteers from each community determine where the donor dollar can best be put to use."

Sheriff Doyle was also encouraged by the meeting. "I'd like to personally thank United Way of Southern KY for their efforts in gathering information," he said. "We, as county leaders, need to know what our communities need, and we need to partner with groups like the UWSK to work together towards a common goal."

Darren Doyle, story and photos
Edmonson Voice

In case you were thinking about going swimming in the river today...don't. Mammoth Cave National Park officials say that as Green River continues to rise, flooding has impacted the Houchin Ferry area in the park.  The Houchin Ferry Campground, picnic area, and boat launch are closed.  

Green River ferry remains closed.